Agriculture Minister, Damien O’Connor has departed for Washington DC today to speak at the Agriculture Innovation Mission (AIM) for Climate Summit being held from 8 – 10 May.
Mr O’Connor will lead New Zealand’s delegation at the global climate conference that aims to tackle agricultural emissions.
“As we adjust to changing consumer trends and a changing climate, we must continue to support New Zealand farmers and growers to keep up their work reducing on-farm emissions, growing exports, and retaining the sector’s competitive edge in international markets,” Minister O’Connor said.
“Primary sector export revenue hit a record $53.1 billion in the year ending June 2022 and it is key that we continue this momentum. Since 2017 the Government has secured or upgraded seven free trade agreements which bring huge market opportunities for our farmers and growers,” he said.
The Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate Summit is expected to be this year’s milestone event for agriculture and climate change.
It is a joint initiative to unite member countries to increase investment and support for climate-smart agriculture and food production by 2025.
“This Summit presents a rare opportunity for an international meeting of Agriculture Ministers to discuss the sustainable reduction of agricultural emissions and the ways in which we can work together to support farmers and growers across the globe to shift the dial on their emissions,” said Mr O’Connor.
He said the Summit was an opportunity for New Zealand to share and collaborate with international counterparts on current and future efforts.
The summit has been organised by the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
“Export growth for our sector will depend on our sustainability credentials and we’re focussed on working with farmers and growers to be able demonstrate them,” Mr O’Connor said.
